The concept of coalescing beds and breakfasts together into one relaxing, rejuvenating, revivifying getaway has existed for centuries. As the bed and breakfast trade expands and flourishes, such inns are becoming more and more experience-oriented. That is to say, guests are opting to stay at a bed and breakfast not just to have a place to sleep and eat, but rather to experience a whole-new way of travel and lodging. More and more travelers are discovering the delights associated with staying at a small, quaint inn rather than generic hotel chains. And as more travelers choose to follow this less-worn path, innkeepers are discovering they must work ever harder and smarter to create an experience that will leave a memorable, positive impact on their clientele.

One of the most promising ways of ensuring such success is through the breakfast you choose to serve guests. This is how you can run a bed and breakfast with confidence and achievement.

Concocting a tantalizing, appetizing, and oh-so scrumptious array of breakfast items doesn’t necessarily have to be a daunting chore you are forced to face each morning. As you familiarize yourself with the process and become ever more adept at whipping up your own special morning meal creations, in no time you will gain a reputation for serving a bang-up breakfast!

Here a few cues to keep in mind when planning what you want to serve to your guests that they’ll find unforgettable.

Bed and breakfast frequenters care a lot about the quality of their meals. In fact, a survey conducted by the Tourism Board of Australia discovered that one of the most appealing attributes of a bed and breakfast is that its meals are served and prepared in a home style manner. This can be both daunting and reassuring. In some regards, it can be worrisome to realize guests want something home cooked, meaning you can’t serve up frozen waffles, instant oatmeal, and store-bought hash browns. Discerning travelers will be quick to catch on if you insist on taking such shortcuts. In other regards though, it’s a relief to know that guests won’t be expecting lavish dishes worthy of a five-star Parisian restaurant.

Stick with tried-and-true family recipes. Or, if you’re just starting a bed and breakfast, call up your Great Aunt Peggy or the guy down the street who is known for making a certain specialty. Ask for the recipe. People are generally more than willing to divulge such secrets. Also, watch them a time or two as they prepare said dish. Take notes.

Fresh ingredients are a huge perk for guests. Utilize them. Gather ingredients native to your region. If you’re in Hawaii, a freshly picked pineapple from your backyard will definitely impress a guest. If you’re in Alaska, a slice of fresh smoked salmon with a dollop of Dijon mustard on top would be stunning (and a great source of protein), Idaho innkeepers could use a couple sturdy russets to fry up some smoky hash browns, the list goes on and on. Remember, keep it fresh, keep it local, and keep it simple.

Variety is also a key ingredient to hosting a successful breakfast. Just because one person may love eggs benedict and hollandaise sauce doesn’t mean everyone will. There’s no need to go overboard, but make sure there are multiple options to appease all taste palates. Furthermore, allow yourself the flexibility to work with various food allergies and dietary restrictions. Have a stockpile of alternate recipes that are vegan, kosher, or gluten-free friendly.

Lastly, don’t forget the little things. Don’t allow yourself to get so wrapped up in what you’ve got going on in the kitchen that you forget about presentation. The success of a meal stretches beyond just the food served. Include ambience. Have an appropriate table setting to match the theme of the meal. Fresh flowers, a clean tablecloth, salt and pepper, cream and sugar, a morning newspaper, etc. all combine together to give guests a memorable breakfast experience. Make sure the area is suitable for conversing and socializing so guests can mingle with one another over a hearty breakfast. And be sure they have options. Some might opt to eat in the dining room, others may want to take their breakfast out on the patio and enjoy the crisp morning air, others might not be “morning people” and would rather have their meal delivered to their room for a languid breakfast-in-bed.

Following such steps will not only save you time and stress, but it will satisfy and satiate your guests. It’s a win/win situation for all parties involved!